Show Report: VGXPO
East Coast gamers kick it "old school" in Philly.
Article by Travis Fahs (Email)
November 16th 2005, 03:50AM
Keeping the classic spirit alive, many garage developers were demonstrating (and selling) the hottest new titles for crustiest old systems. GoodDealGames was showing off an impressive recreation of Chu Chu Rocket titles—creatively enough—Mighty Mighty Missile, as well as selling copies of a new Vectrex shooter, I, Cyborg. The good folks of Nuon Dome returned, showing off a very playable update of Gorf and a new action game titled Mad Bodies for Jaguar, and of course a new Nuon game, Katiplia. AtariAge had the largest selection of homebrews with some new and not-so-new releases for the 2600, 5200, 7800, and even Lynx, most of which were playable on the floor.
VGXPO had more than 40
classic cabs up and running
But classic gaming is all about reliving the golden age and the highlight of the show for many is the dozens of classic arcade machines, all set to free play. This year's selection was one of the best yet, featuring all the staples like Donkey Kong, Tempest, and Star Wars as well as some real rare gems like Sega's Tac Scan and Atari's I, Robot, the first true, 3-D video game with filled polygon graphics.
This was the only I, Robot machine most attendees
would ever see. Only 300 were produced
Younger gamers weren't left out, however. As with Philly Classic, there were a number of tournaments for some modern classics, including Guitar Hero, Smash Bros, and of course Halo 2. In an attempt to rope in some of the crossover nerds, organizers also hosted some Dungeons and Dragons, as well as a "cosplay" contest for attendees dressed as their favorite video game characters (or in the case of one attendee, a giant Pitfall cartridge).
Ralph Baer and Tommy Tallarico regale
some costumed attendees with their story
